The current situation in Haiti challenges our ability to exaggerate. After more than a week of widespread violence and chaos, the country is adrift politically as Prime Minister Ariel Henry cannot even return to the country and faces domestic and international pressure to resign.
MSM headlines try to describe this by saying that Haiti “could fall at any time,” that it is “on the brink of the abyss,” “heading toward chaos,” and that “a major humanitarian crisis is unfolding.”
The heavily armed men controlling the capital, Port-au-Prince, who are on the verge of overthrowing the government, are still described as “gang members”, but have now transformed into a rebel force posing as an alternative to the government. .
Demands for some foreign force to intervene in Haiti are growing, but it is now clear that there is no possibility of “keeping the peace” – whoever intervenes will have to struggle for control by force.
At this point, the inevitable outcome seems to be the removal of Prime Minister Henry. But then what?
The Ministry of Interior was set on fire overnight, and several police stations and government offices in the capital were attacked.
Bloomberg reported:
“Local media reported intense fighting in downtown Port-au-Prince, as more than a week of violence aimed at overthrowing the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry reached a new peak.”
Chairman of the Caribbean Community CARICOM Muhammad Irfaan Ali:
“We are fully aware of the urgent need to reach consensus. We have emphasized to the parties concerned that time is not on their side in agreeing the way forward. From our reports, the situation on the ground remains dire and of grave concern to us.”
Meanwhile, the political leader who should be heading the effort against the gang's rebels cannot even return to the country.
“[Prime Minister] Henry, who left Haiti on February 25 to mobilize support for a multinational security force Led by Kenya, they were unable to return to the country, as gangs attacked the capital and closed the main airport. The Biden administration has called on Henry to support the transition of power.
Last we heard from Henry, he was in Puerto Rico and facing mounting pressure — domestically and from abroad — to resign and make way for a transitional government.
The rebel armed gang launched a large-scale attack on several government buildings.
ABC News reported:
“The attack was coordinated and rapid, with different groups simultaneously targeting several government buildings including the presidential palace, the Ministry of the Interior and the police headquarters in the western region of Haiti which includes Port-au-Prince.”
Heavy gunfire was heard and large explosions were heard.
“Preliminary figures indicate that about a dozen guerrilla fighters were killed, although we warn that the number has not been fully confirmed. No police casualties have been reported so far.”
Haiti is collapsing as we speak:
• The Ministry of Interior is on fire
• Attacks on the international airport
• Armed clashes outside the presidential palace
• Attempts to hack the Ministry of Education and the Supreme CourtIt was international mission time yesterday. pic.twitter.com/BIlksQVfRd
– Kareem Rifai (@KareemRifai) March 9, 2024
Read more:
Haiti Hill: State of emergency and curfew extended – Looted port closed, sparking fears of famine – US citizens in country have no way to escape
